After 20 years of fierce rivalry among the five traditional divisions of the Okuapeman State, they have reunited with rituals to seal their unity and peaceful co-existence.

The rituals follow a peace accord they signed in August this year in the presence of Eastern Regional Minister, Hellen Adwoa Ntoso, past Regional Ministers, Samuel Ofosu Ampofo and Victor Smith, Rev.Dr.Joy Mante, principal of the trinity theological college and Osabarima Nana Ansah Sasraku, Mamfehene and Kyidomhene of Okuapeman.

The five divisions making up the Okuapeman State are Nifa, Benkum, Gyase, Adonten and Kronti.

These divisions had been together since 1773 when the State was formed until a chieftaincy dispute erupted 20 years ago.

In the palace of the Benkum division, a cow was slaughtered and libation poured to signify their allegiance to Okuapeman.

With the peace accord signed and rituals performed at the palace of the Benkunhene at Larteh-Akuapem, all the divisional chiefs who hitherto claimed autonomy, have all agreed to remain subjects to the Okuapemanhene, Oseadeeyo Nana Addo Dankwah ll.

Speaking on behalf of the divisional chiefs, the Adukromhene and Nifahene of Akuapem, Osuodumgya Otutu Kono ll recounted that the "unnecessary" conflict amongst them had created so much distress in the State.

‘’You all gathered here will agree with me that Okuapeman has never been as it used to. The kind of brotherly love is no more there. We used to love one another and that brought some amount of respect to Okuapeman. I am sure that with this ritual performed, we going to be one henceforth”, said Osuodumgya Otutu Kono ll.

The District Chief Executive for Akuapem-North, George Opare Addo, who played a vital role by mediating between the factions, expressed contentment at the decision taken by traditional leaders in the area.

‘’I can now sleep and sleep well. I’m so much grateful to you. Government really cherishes the enormous role chiefs play in the developmental agenda of the nation therefore your decision to come back together as one state and one people must be appreciated’, ’

Among the prominent chiefs and dignitaries who graced the occasion are, Otobuor Djan Kwesi, Aburihene and Adontenhene, Barimah Offei Kwesi Agyeman, Akroponhene and Krontihene, Nana Awuku Bram, regent of Dawu.

The District Chief Executives for Nsawam-Adoagyiri, Akuapem-South and Ayensuano, Mark Dompreh, Kwadwo Afari-Djan and Mike Ofori Darko respectively were also present.